Every year I look forward to Spotlight on Success. I believe this much anticipated community event really highlights the importance of small business and provides a clear reminder that so many of our small businesses make a big difference in this community.

Our theme this year is "Then and Now", which also reminds us that, some of our most recognizable businesses spent a lot of hard work and perseverance to build those reputations. We celebrate both the new, up and coming businesses, as well as businesses that became part of the AEDC story decades ago.

Our theme also applies to the project we'll be honoring at Spotlight this year. The Carson Block building restoration has been the dream of Terry Coltra's of NCIDC, for years. A leaking roof almost stopped it cold. Fortunately, AEDC was able to bring together other community/financial partners in order to put together the funds needed to repair and seismically retrofit the roof. This paved the way for all the improvements that followed. The contrast between "then" and "now" is nothing less than astounding and we are so happy for NCIDC and the community-which will all benefit from the completion of this wonderful project.

-Ross

Spotlight on Success Next Week!

We Hope You Plan to Attend...

Tuesday, April 19, 5:30 p.m.

The Arcata Theater Lounge

This event has become a favorite business networking event in Humboldt County, and it happens through the generosity of our successful businesses and partners.

Meet AEDC's borrowers past and present, as well as other business owners, economic development leaders and local dignitaries. Over 30 local businesses will be represented! Enjoy local food and beverages, learn about local businesses and participate in a raffle with great prizes that supports Humboldt Lemonade Day. Find a complete list of participants here.

This year, we will be honoring the Northern California Indian Development Council and their work on the Carson Block Building. A great example of Then and Now!

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AEDC Client Spotlight

Since graduating with a PhD in Adult Learning from the University of Chicago, Kim Hermansonhas taught and led creative process courses and workshops at a wide range of institutions-from graduate schools to prestigious retreat centers to local and non-profit community organizations.

According to Hermanson, her participation in AEDC's IDA program has allowed her to break through to a new level of professional opportunities. "I absolutely loved doing this program," she said."It feels really wonderful to be supported in my business, especially since it is solitary working alone. I used the funds for a business coach, Tama Kieves, and it has helped me immensely."

Hermanson sought help from Kieves last summer as she was preparing for two public speaking events: a lecture and a radio interview. "They both went amazingly well and increased my client base," Hermanson said."They also led to several large teleclasses that I was able to do because of the new platform."

Kieves also helped her complete a book on metaphor and the creative process that Hermanson admits she has been working on for the last few years. The title is:A Portal to the Creative: Using Metaphor to Unlock Creative Genius and Inspire Breakthroughs. Thanks, in part to Kieves, she is now in the final phase of that project is and looking forward to a publication date of May 2016.

The long anticipated opening of the newly renovated Carson Block Building was celebrated Friday, April 8 by community members, public officials and members of the Wiyot tribe.

"We are so pleased to be part of such a significant community project," said AEDC Executive Director Ross Welch. "It was a joy to attend the ribbon cutting and grand opening and see the culmination of so much hard work on the part of so many people. Everybody did such an outstanding job participating in the restoration of this one of a kind historic and architectural resource. We hope this shows our community what can be done when people work together. AEDC looks forward to being a part of more amazing efforts like this one."

Photos above used with permission from Eureka Main Street

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Support our Youth

_____________________________________

Register Youth for Humboldt Lemonade Day

Help a child participate in this community oriented county-wide event

Saturday

June 4, 2016

All registered youth get a free Lemonade Day Backpack and Workbooks to help them make the most of their Lemonade Stand Business

This year, workshops to assist youth in their preparation will be hosted throughout Humboldt including one at the McKinleyville Resource Center on April 23; Jefferson School on May 5, 12 and 19; and the MGC in Fortuna on April 26, May 3 and May 10.

For more information about the workshops or to register for Lemonade Day, visit our Humboldt Lemonade Day page here.

Please contact Susan Seaman for information on how YOU can support our youth entrepreneurs by sponsoring Lemonade Day

susans@aedc1.org or 707-822-4616, ext. 12

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AEDC News

Next Generation Eureka

to discuss options for

Eureka High School Gym Development

When

April 22nd, 5 PM

Where

Eureka High Cafeteria, 1915 J Street, Eureka

Who

All Humboldt county residents ages 16-30 are invited to attend.

This meeting will highlight an on-going project that directly affects Eureka's next generation-the renovation of the Eureka High School Gymnasium.

This event will include a

Mixer

Presentation from a Eureka High representative on three design concepts for a new gymnasium

Presentation from a representative from the League of Women voters

Forum in which attendees can discuss their own ideas for projects

Eureka High's gym project is in its later stages of planning and three concepts for design and funding have been developed, each with a different size and cost. This April 22 meeting will include a presentation comparing and contrasting the three concepts, and participants will be able to learn about the process of designing and funding large projects. Attendees can also vote on their preferred design.

Please spread the word and make this event an exciting and meaningful night of learning and collaboration!

Next Generation Eureka is a youth-led organization working to create opportunity and strengthen networks in our community.

To learn more about this event or this new youth organization, check out the Next Generation Eureka Facebook page!

The Prosperity Center hosted their final Business Leader Luncheon in a four part series focused on the Cannabis Industry.

Chris Gaines, HSU Lecturer and Intern Director for the HSU School of Business, offered a snapshot of several local branding efforts including several cannabis businesses and Humboldt Made (a local branding effort for specialty foods).

Presenters included: Alanna Powell, who spoke about the Humboldt County brand for local producers and manufactures outside of the cannabis industry; Chrystal Ortiz, True Humboldt and Isaiah O'Donnell from Emerald Family Farms represented the local industry and the efforts that are being made in the area of branding; Ellen Markham from Honey Bee Buzzed, talked about the importance of brand as she creates her products; Kevin Hamik, a local futurist, talked about the opportunity and importance of creating the brand we want, not one that is bestowed on us based on the greater industry; and Julien Zanch from SICPA, a company that specializes in helping companies protect their brands.

Business Leader Luncheons are hosted by the Prosperity Network, and are sponsored by AEDC, the HSU Office of Research, Economic and Community Development, HSU Institute of Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research, the City of Eureka and the City of Arcata.